The Matchmaker | Short Essay Assignments

Short Essay Questions

The 60 short essay questions listed in this section require a one to two sentence answer. They ask students to demonstrate a deeper understanding of the text. Students must describe what they've read, rather than just recall it.

Short Essay Question - Act 1

1. Why does Mr. Vandergelder disapprove of his niece's suitor?

2. How does Mr. Vandergelder's disapproval affect the marriage of his niece?

3. At the beginning of The Matchmaker, what is the relationship between Cornelius and Mr. Vandergelder?

4. What is Mr. Vandergelder's excuse for not promoting Cornelius to anything of significance?

5. How does Joe feel about Mr. Vandergelder? How do you know?

6. Describe the character Malachi.

7. What task does Mr. Vandergelder give Malachi to complete?